Nokia launches multi-gig broadband access node for smaller communities

Nokia announced the launch of its second ‘pizza-box’ form optical line terminal (OLT). The new Quillion-powered Lightspan DF-32GM extends Nokia’s OLT portfolio for multi-gig deployments in low density areas. The DF-32 will be shown for the first time at the FTTH convention in Madrid, from 18-20 April, and is available immediately for global shipments to communication service providers and cable operators. Nokia now has 250 customers worldwide for its Quillion-based fiber broadband solutions.

According to Omdia’s Fiber and Copper Access Equipment Forecast 2023-2028 report, investment in XGS-PON overtook GPON in 2022. Operators are extending multi-gig fiber networks beyond urban areas to reach consumers wherever they are including rural and low-density areas.

DF-32 will fit into Nokia’s existing multi-gig portfolio which ranges from the very small size unit, the DF-16, to the large MF-14 fit for massive delivery of 25G PON and beyond. The DF-32 access node is optimized for efficient high-capacity deployments in low density areas, coverage gaps and hotspots. It is designed for maximum deployment flexibility, both from a location and architecture point of view, which enables broadband providers to fine tune their unique deployment challenges and business cases for fiber deployments.

Emir Halilovic, Research Director at Global Data, said: “We are seeing increasing demand for small nodes as operators look to bridge coverage gaps in their multi-gig networks and branch out beyond residential into new services like industry 4.0 connectivity, 5G Xhaul and wholesale services. As such, they need more flexibility to suit local requirements. Nokia’s Lightspan DF-32 is perfectly suited for access network segments covering 1,000-2,000 users.”

The Nokia-designed Quillion chip is at the heart of DF-32’s operation. Quillion means operators can deploy three PON technologies (GPON, XGS-PON, 25G PON) in a single solution, while achieving energy saving of up to 25% compared to merchant silicon powered solutions.

Geert Heyninck, VP Broadband Networks at Nokia, said: “Operators need complete scale of solutions for any service and any deployment type. One size doesn’t fit all. We are seeing growing interest in small OLT solutions to go further with fiber: rural; other new areas; enterprises; cell site connectivity. Our goal is to bring these different form factors with future proof capacity, high reliability and SDN capabilities.”

CT Bureau